Stuck Lower Unit Removal

[24gradyexp]

The lower unit seems to be frozen on my 1992 Johnson 25 Longshaft. I have disconnected the shift shaft, removed 4 bolts and one nut (in front). It seems the stud that the bolt in front of the lower unit does not seem to move. I have soaked it with WD40 to no avail. I do not want to pry too hard on the lower unit. The back half can separate about 1/4 inch. I have tried to hit the stud (covered with a piece of wood) with a hammer to no avail. Any suggestions? I need to replace the water pump as it does not want to pee since it was winterized last year and the engine overheats.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Walker]

Re: Stuck Lower Unit Removal

Heat the stud with a propane torch. Get it "hot" then give it a stout whack with a good hammer. Don't worry too much about the stud itself. It screws into the L/U and can be replaced.